The Italian Development Cooperation

The Italian Development Cooperation is an essential UNDP partner in Pakistan and across the world. Through its partnership with UNDP, Italy has contributed to major initiatives in developing countries focusing on the environment, rural development, organic or conventional farming, alternative and renewable sources, gender policies, women’s empowerment, and health and education.

Some of Italy’s major initiatives and contributions are in Pakistan. These fund a multi-sectoral nation-wide programme, operating in all provinces, and focusing on rural development, health and the environment, with a more specific emphasis on the socioeconomic empowerment of rural communities.

In 2017, UNDP Pakistan and the Government of Italy signed a major agreement to help preserve Pakistan’s fragile mountain environments. This project, aims to improve management of the Central Karakorum National Park in Gilgit-Baltistan, home to five of the world’s highest peaks including K2, and the Deosai National Park. Aside from pristine glaciers and snowfields which are at risk from the effects of climate change, the park is home to endangered animals such as the snow leopard. Through this partnership, UNDP Pakistan and the Italian Development Cooperation will join hands with the Ministry of Climate Change and Government of Gilgit-Baltistan to introduce scientific technology to promote biodiversity, support education and protect cultural heritage, providing a model for sustainable community-focused conservation that can be replicated across Pakistan’s north.

At a ceremony held on the occasion of signing of cooperation agreements between UNDP and Italian Development Cooperation, H.E. Mr. Stefano Pontecorvo, said “The partnership between Italy and UNDP is a close and long standing one. Through this partnership we are proud to have contributed to preserving Pakistan's environment, developing new models for sustainable and climate-sensitive development, and helping ensure that its rural communities benefit from the fruits of development”

UNDP Pakistan and the Italian Development Cooperation have also worked with partners to assess the vulnerability of the water sector to the impacts of climate change, and implemented a pilot project testing renewable energy solutions across Pakistan. 

The Italian Development Cooperation also focuses on poverty reduction and institutional stabilization, providing support for peacebuilding and relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation initiatives in areas affected by conflict and natural disaster.

Through this close partnership, UNDP Pakistan and the Italian Development Cooperation provide crucial support to Pakistan in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, introducing sustainable natural resources management and consumption, and protecting its people and unique environments against the effects of climate change.